Don’t micromanage, new library board

I’ve served on library boards and worked behind the desk at two public libraries. The board is there to give direction and structure to the library, not to micromanage.

The board establishes the budget but doesn’t determine how it is to be spent. For example, there is a budget item for salaries — how that is divided up and how bonuses are determined is up to the director.

What the new board members are proposing is micromanagement. Yes, it is “our” tax dollars paying for library facilities and programs. But to say, “We’re gonna run the library,” is like telling the CEO of General Electric that the board is “gonna run GE.” To imply that Director Ann Kennedy will have to kowtow to the board (“it’s whether she can work with them”) is demeaning and condescending. They are not coming with an open mind and willingness to work for the good of the library and community.

Where do these members come off? Power plays? Vindictive attitudes? With lawsuits involving “significant others,” there is a definite conflict of interest, no matter what they say.

Absolutely, they should both recuse themselves from all discussion and executive session minutes on these issues until they are resolved. That’s a no-brainer.

Please bring civility to the board. Bring positive attitudes as to how to have the best library in the area. Don’t use the library as a power springboard.

We of Carol Stream are all taxpayers and all have a vested interest in the library.

Carol Findling

Carol Stream